Accessory mount

ABSTRACT

An accessory mount is disclosed and may include a base, a foot, an accessory receiver, and at least two elastic bindings. The accessory receiver may rotatably couple an accessory to the base, and may include an accessory adapter and a base connector. The base may include a plurality of attachment points distributed at different locations around the base. The foot may include a non-slip surface on a first side, and a plurality of projections on a second side that mate with a corresponding plurality of recesses in a bottom surface of the base.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patentapplication 62/216,276, filed Sep. 9, 2015 titled “Universal AccessoryMount,” the entirety of the disclosure of which is hereby incorporatedby this reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Aspects of this document relate generally to accessory mounts.

BACKGROUND

As video recorders have decreased in size and cost, their use inconjunction with athletic and recreational activities has increased. Inparticular, they are often used to record activities that involveincreased speed (e.g. riding a conveyance such as a mountain bike,snowboard, etc.) and/or risk (e.g. activities requiring protective gearsuch as a helmet, etc.). The characteristics that make these activitiesworthy of recording often necessitate that a participant keep theirhands free and their focus undivided. Therefore, a need exists for a wayto mount a camera or other accessory to the equipment associated theseand other activities.

Some conventional accessory mounts are permanent (e.g. permanentlyformed as part of a helmet), making them hard to use with differentequipment, and limiting the user to a single mounting point. Otherconventional accessory mounts are overly temporary; their attachment toa piece of equipment or other anchor does not remain tight enough toprevent eventual slipping and/or rattling, degrading accessoryperformance and putting the accessory and wearer at risk. In both cases,it can be difficult to set and/or maintain the accessory in an optimalorientation. Furthermore, many conventional mounts are for a specificdevice (e.g. a specific camera model) and/or mounting target (e.g.helmet, bicycle, etc.). Participants in these activities often haveneeds beyond capturing their adventures on video, and require a way toeasily mount a variety of accessories such as cameras, lights, GPSreceivers, and radios on a variety of equipment. Conventional mounts areoften difficult to modify, or too specialized to be used outside aparticular context.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, an accessory mount includes a base, anaccessory receiver, a foot, and at least two elastic bindings. The baseincludes a plurality of attachment points symmetrically distributed atdifferent locations around all sides of a perimeter of the base. Thebase also includes at least one opening extending through the base. Theaccessory receiver includes an accessory adapter at a first end and abase connector at a second end opposite the first end. The accessoryreceiver is configured to rotatably couple an accessory to the base. Thefoot is coupled to the base opposite the accessory receiver. The footincludes a non-slip surface on a first side and a plurality ofprojections extending toward the base on a second side, opposite thefirst side. The plurality of projections mate with a correspondingplurality of recesses in a bottom surface of the base. The elasticbindings each have a first end and a second end, opposite the first end.The first end is configured to releasably and directly attach to a firstattachment point of the plurality of attachment points. The second endis configured to releasably and directly attach to a second attachmentpoint of the plurality of attachment points opposite the firstattachment point.

Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the followingfeatures. The accessory adapter may further include an annular channelin a bottom surface. The annular channel may include a first end and asecond end. The base connector may include a stop extending from a topsurface of the base connector. The accessory adapter and the baseconnector may be rotatably coupled to each other through the stop matingwith the annular channel. Additionally, the stop may move along theannular channel as the accessory adapter rotates with respect to thebase connector about an axis. A range of rotation of the accessoryadapter with respect to the base may be limited to an angle, measuredfrom the axis, subtended by a segment of the annular channel accessibleto the stop between the first end and the second end. The range ofrotation may be between 240 and 300 degrees. The accessory adapter mayinclude at least one tooth on its bottom surface. The at least one toothmay be engaged with another at least one tooth on the top surface of thebase connector, such that rotation of the accessory adapter with respectto the base may be resisted. The accessory adapter may rotatably mountto the base connector. The base may be stiffer than the foot. Theaccessory receiver may include three ring prongs that may extend fromthe first end of the accessory receiver and away from the second end ofthe accessory receiver. Also, the plurality of attachment points mayinclude at least five attachment points. The base and the foot may becircular, the plurality of attachment points may include eightattachment points, and the accessory adapter may be rotatably coupled tothe base connector. Finally, the base connector may be coupled to thebase, but does not rotate with respect to the base.

According to another aspect, an accessory mount includes a base, anaccessory receiver, a foot, and at least two elastic bindings. The baseincludes a plurality of attachment points symmetrically distributed atdifferent locations around a majority of a perimeter of the base. Thebase also includes at least one opening extending through the base. Theaccessory receiver includes an accessory adapter at a first end and abase connector at a second end opposite the first end. The accessoryreceiver is configured to rotatably couple an accessory to the base.

The foot is coupled to the base opposite the accessory receiver, andincludes a non-slip surface on a first side and a plurality ofprojections extending toward the base on a second side, opposite thefirst side. The plurality of projections mate with a correspondingplurality of recesses in a bottom surface of the base. The elasticbindings each have a first end and a second end, opposite the first end.The first end is configured to releasably and directly attach to a firstattachment point of the plurality of attachment points, and the secondend is configured to releasably and directly attach to a secondattachment point of the plurality of attachment points opposite thefirst attachment point.

Particular embodiments may be modified or adapted such that theaccessory may be at least one of a camera, a light, a phone, a GPSreceiver, and a portable electronic device.

According to yet another aspect, an accessory mount includes a base, anaccessory receiver, and a foot. The base is circular, and includes atleast five attachment points distributed at different locations aroundthe base. The base also includes at least one opening extending througha center of the base. The accessory receiver includes an accessoryadapter at a first end and a base connector at a second end opposite thefirst end. The accessory receiver is configured to rotatably couple anaccessory to the base. Finally, the foot is coupled to the base oppositethe accessory receiver, and includes a non-slip surface on a first sideand a plurality of projections extending toward the base on a secondside, opposite the first side. The plurality of projections mate with acorresponding plurality of recesses in a bottom surface of the base.

Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the followingfeatures. The accessory mount may include at least two elastic bindings,each having a first end and a second end, opposite the first end. Thefirst end may be configured to releasably and directly attach to a firstattachment point of the plurality of attachment points, and the secondend may be configured to releasably and directly attach to a secondattachment point of the plurality of attachment points opposite thefirst attachment point. The at least one opening extending through thecenter of the base may include an internal lip which narrows the atleast one opening. A bottom surface of the base connector may include atleast two tabs. The base connector may be non-circular. The base mayfurther include a non-circular recess centered on the at least oneopening, and the non-circular recess may match the shape of thenon-circular base connector. Finally, the base connector may be seatedin the non-circular recess of the base and may be releasably coupled tothe base by the at least two tabs expanding within the at least oneopening after passing the internal lip.

Aspects and applications of the disclosure presented here are describedbelow in the drawings and detailed description. Unless specificallynoted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specificationand the claims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning tothose of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. The inventors are fullyaware that they can be their own lexicographers if desired. Theinventors expressly elect, as their own lexicographers, to use only theplain and ordinary meaning of terms in the specification and claimsunless they clearly state otherwise and then further, expressly setforth the “special” definition of that term and explain how it differsfrom the plain and ordinary meaning. Absent such clear statements ofintent to apply a “special” definition, it is the inventors' intent anddesire that the simple, plain and ordinary meaning to the terms beapplied to the interpretation of the specification and claims.

The inventors are also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar.Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be furthercharacterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then such noun, term,or phrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptiveterms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts ofEnglish grammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms,or modifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases begiven their plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in theapplicable arts as set forth above.

Further, the inventors are fully informed of the standards andapplication of the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6. Thus, theuse of the words “function,” “means” or “step” in the DetailedDescription or Description of the Drawings or claims is not intended tosomehow indicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C.§112, ¶6, to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisions of35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6 are sought to be invoked to define the inventions,the claims will specifically and expressly state the exact phrases“means for” or “step for”, and will also recite the word “function”(i.e., will state “means for performing the function of [insertfunction]”), without also reciting in such phrases any structure,material or act in support of the function. Thus, even when the claimsrecite a “means for performing the function of . . . ” or “step forperforming the function of . . . ,” if the claims also recite anystructure, material or acts in support of that means or step, or thatperform the recited function, then it is the clear intention of theinventors not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6. Moreover,even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6 are invoked to define theclaimed aspects, it is intended that these aspects not be limited onlyto the specific structure, material or acts that are described in thepreferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures,materials or acts that perform the claimed function as described inalternative embodiments or forms of the disclosure, or that are wellknown present or later-developed, equivalent structures, material oracts for performing the claimed function.

The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages will beapparent to those artisans of ordinary skill in the art from theDESCRIPTION and DRAWINGS, and from the CLAIMS.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with theappended drawings, where like designations denote like elements, and:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an accessory mount;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an accessory mount with engaged elasticbindings;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an accessory mount;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a foot;

FIG. 4B is a top view of a foot;

FIG. 4C is a cross section view of a foot along line A-A of FIG. 4B;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a base;

FIG. 5B is a top view of a base;

FIG. 5C is a bottom view of a base;

FIG. 5D is a cross section view of a base along line A-A of FIG. 5B;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a base connector;

FIG. 6B is a top view of a base connector;

FIG. 6C is a bottom view of a base connector;

FIG. 6D is a cross section view of a base connector along line A-A ofFIG. 6B;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an accessory adapter;

FIG. 7B is a bottom view of an accessory adapter;

FIG. 7C is a side view of an accessory adapter;

FIG. 7D is a cross section view of an accessory adapter along line A-Aof FIG. 7C;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an accessory mount coupling a camera toa helmet; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an accessory mount coupling a light to ahandlebar.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure, its aspects and implementations, are not limited to thespecific accessory mount types, or other system component examples, ormethods disclosed herein. Many additional components, manufacturing andassembly procedures known in the art consistent with accessory mountsare contemplated for use with particular implementations from thisdisclosure. Accordingly, for example, although particularimplementations are disclosed, such implementations and implementingcomponents may comprise any components, models, types, materials,versions, quantities, and/or the like as is known in the art for suchsystems and implementing components, consistent with the intendedoperation.

The word “exemplary,” “example,” or various forms thereof are usedherein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Anyaspect or design described herein as “exemplary” or as an “example” isnot necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over otheraspects or designs. Furthermore, examples are provided solely forpurposes of clarity and understanding and are not meant to limit orrestrict the disclosed subject matter or relevant portions of thisdisclosure in any manner. It is to be appreciated that a myriad ofadditional or alternate examples of varying scope could have beenpresented, but have been omitted for purposes of brevity.

While this disclosure includes a number of embodiments in many differentforms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described indetail particular embodiments with the understanding that the presentdisclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principlesof the disclosed methods and systems, and is not intended to limit thebroad aspect of the disclosed concepts to the embodiments illustrated.

FIGS. 1 through 3 depict a non-limiting embodiment of an accessory mount100, having a foot 104, a base 102, an accessory receiver 106, andelastic bindings 108. As shown, the base 102 is disposed over the foot104, while the accessory receiver 106 is on top of, and coupled to, thebase 102. As shall be described in greater detail with respect to FIGS.5A-5D, the base 102 also comprises a plurality of attachment points 110.

As shown in FIG. 2, an accessory mount 100 may be used to couple anaccessory 200 to an anchor 202. In the context of the presentdisclosure, an anchor refers to any object to which an accessory mountmay be coupled to for stability in supporting an accessory being mountedto something. The accessory mount 100 is advantageous as it may becoupled to a variety of anchors, including but not limited to helmetsand other safety gear, various parts of a bicycle (e.g. handlebars,frame, tubing, rack, etc.), vehicles (e.g. ATVs, snowmobiles, boats,motor vehicles, etc.), drones and other devices, tree branches,shelters, blinds, and other frames or structures.

FIG. 2 illustrates an accessory 200 attached to an accessory mount 100bound to an anchor 202 by elastic bindings 108, according to oneembodiment. The accessory 200 depicted in FIG. 2 is a camera, similar tothe camera 800 of FIG. 8. According to various embodiments, theaccessory 200 may be one of a variety of objects. Example accessoriesinclude, but are not limited to, cameras, lights, radios, GPS receivers,portable electronic devices, tablets, personal electronics, phones,sensors, and other devices.

As shown in the non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 2, the accessory 200 isattached to the accessory receiver 106 of an accessory mount 100.Specifically, the accessory 200 is attached to the accessory adapter112, which will be discussed in greater detail with respect to FIGS.7A-7D. The accessory adapter 112 is coupled to the base 102 through thebase connector 300 (seen in FIG. 3, but not visible in FIGS. 1 and 2).The base 102 is held against the foot 104 by tension of the elasticbindings 108. The foot 104 conforms to and grips the surface of theanchor 202, preventing the mount 100 from sliding or rattling againstthe anchor 202 while in use, according to various embodiments. The footshall be described in greater detail with respect to FIGS. 4A-4C.

The non-limiting embodiment depicted in FIG. 2 shows elastic bindings108 wrapped around an anchor 202, attached to some of the attachmentpoints 110 of the base 102. According to various embodiments, eachelastic binding 108 comprises a first end 114 and a second end 116opposite the first. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the elasticbindings 108 are circular; in such a case, the first end 114 and thesecond end 116 may be thought of as opposite points on the circle. Asthe first end 114 and the second end 116 are separated, the circularelastic binding 108 will stretch and take on a more linear form.

In other embodiments, the elastic bindings 108 may have other forms. Forexample, in one embodiment, the bindings 108 may resemble elastic strapswith a loop or hook located at the first end 114 and the second end 116.According to various embodiments, the elastic bindings 108 are composedof an elastic material. In the context of the present description,elastic refers to the binding's ability to spontaneously resume itsoriginal shape after elongation or other distortion. The force drivingthe return to an initial shape provides the tension that holds anaccessory mount 100 tight against an anchor 202.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first end 114 and second end 116 of an elasticbinding 108 are attached to attachment points 110A and 110B, after thebinding is wrapped around the anchor 202. According to variousembodiments, the elastic binding 108 may be selected from a variety ofbindings, depending upon a variety of factors (e.g. length needed,weight of the accessory, operating temperature, etc.). In someembodiments, the elastic bindings 108 may be stored inside an accessorymount 100 when not in use (e.g. between the foot 104 and the base 102,etc.).

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the elastic bindings 108may be replaced with other types of binding in other embodiments,including bindings that are not composed of elastic material, but areotherwise able to maintain tension, such as cables with a ratchetingdevice.

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate a non-limiting embodiment of a foot 104. Asshown, the foot 104 comprises a non-slip surface 406 on a first side402, or bottom, and a plurality of projections 400 on a second side 404,or top. According to various embodiments, the foot 104 is flexible;specifically, the foot 104 is not as stiff as the base. In the contextof the present description and the claims that follow, stiffness refersto a measure of the resistance offered by a body to deformation.Stiffness depends upon the shape and boundary conditions of a body, inaddition to the properties of the constituent material. For example, toobjects made of the same material may differ in stiffness, dependingupon their geometry. In various embodiments, the foot 104 may be lessstiff than the base 102 so that it may conform, at least partially, tothe surface of an anchor 202, increasing the surface area of contact andthus improving grip. Furthermore, a foot 104 with elastic properties maydampen vibrations being translated from an anchor 202 to which anaccessory mount 100 is coupled (e.g. the vibrations of a helmet in use,the handlebars of a mountain bike on a descent, etc.).

In some embodiments, a foot 104 may be composed of an elastomericmaterial such as natural or synthetic rubber. In a specific embodiment,a foot 104 may be composed of silicone rubber having a durometerhardness of 40 Shore A. In another specific embodiment, a foot 104 maybe composed of an elastomer having a durometer hardness between 30 to 50Shore A. In other embodiments, a foot 104 may be composed of othermaterials that are durable as well as flexible. In some embodiments, afoot 104 may be composed of a material chosen for a particular useenvironment, such as the low temperatures experienced on a snowmobile orthe wet surfaces of a boat.

The foot 104 helps secure the accessory mount 100 to an anchor 202 byreducing the likelihood of the mount 100 slipping or otherwise movingaround on the surface of the anchor 202. In some embodiments, the foot104 may be composed of material that is non-slip, such that the entirebottom, or first side 402, is a non-slip surface 406. In a specificembodiment, the foot 104 may be composed of silicone rubber. In otherembodiments, the first side 402 of the foot 104 may comprise a non-slipsurface 406. In the context of the present description and the claimsthat follow, a non-slip surface is a surface that resists sliding.Specifically, a non-slip surface 406 of a foot 104 may be defined as asurface that is less likely to slip than the bottom surface 506 of abase 102 with which the foot 104 is paired. In other words, whencomparing the coefficient of friction for a foot 104 on an anchor 202with the coefficient of friction for a base 102 on the same anchor 202,for likely anchors in likely use conditions, the foot 104 will have ahigher coefficient of friction than the base 102.

As shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, the foot 104 comprises a plurality ofprojections 400. The foot 104 provides stability to the accessory mount100 by gripping the anchor 202 while being secured to the base 102,according to various embodiments. The foot 104 may improve the grip byslightly conforming to the surface of the anchor 202, increasing thesurface area of contact; to do so, the perimeter of the foot 104 is ableto separate from the base. Even though the foot 104 and the base 102 maybe slightly separated, the base 102 is still prevented from shifting orrotating by the plurality of protrusions 400 extending from the secondside 404 of the foot 104. The protrusions 400 mate with a correspondingplurality of recesses 504 in a bottom surface 506 of a base 102,according to various embodiments. The base 102 will be described ingreater detail with respect to FIGS. 5A-5D.

According to various embodiments, the size and shape of the protrusions400 of a foot 104 may depend upon the material used. As previouslyexplained, it is advantageous for a foot 104 to be able to conform tothe surface of an anchor 202. In various embodiments, the protrusions400 may be shaped such that they are stiff enough to prevent the base102 from moving or rotating with respect to the foot 104, while the foot104 as a whole may flex to conform to the surface of an anchor 202. Thefoot 104 illustrated in FIG. 4A comprises a scalloped ring shapedprotrusion with eight half moon shaped protrusions; in otherembodiments, different, additional, or fewer protrusions may beemployed.

In some embodiments, a foot 104 may be fastened or adhered to the base102 near the center 512. In other embodiments, a foot 104 may bemateably placed in direct contact with the bottom surface of a base, butnot permanently attached. For example, in one embodiment, the frictionbetween a foot 104 and a base 102, specifically the protrusions 400 ofthe foot 104 and the recesses 504 of the base 102, may be sufficient tokeep the two objects joined when the accessory mount 100 is not in use.As an option, elastic bindings may be stored between a foot 104 and abase 102 when not in use.

FIG. 4C illustrates a cross section view of a non-limiting embodiment ofa foot 104, taken along line A-A of FIG. 4B. As shown, the foot 104 isrelatively thin; in this particular embodiment, the foot 104 is roughlyhalf the thickness of a corresponding base 102. In some embodiments, thethickness of a foot 104 may be determined by the material used (e.g.considerations of stiffness previously discussed, etc.). Furthermore, insome embodiments, a foot 104 may be sized such that it is wider than abase 102, to prevent the base 102 from coming into contact with theanchor 202 while the accessory mount 100 is in use, preventing damage tothe anchor 202 (e.g. scratching paint, cutting the surface, etc.).

FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate a non-limiting embodiment of a base 102. Asshown, the base 102 comprises a plurality of attachment points 110, anopening 500, a plurality of recesses 504 in a bottom surface 506, aninternal lip 508, and a non-circular recess 510. The embodimentillustrated has eight attachment points 110. In some embodiments, a base102 has at least five attachment points and in particular embodimentsbetween five and ten attachment points. In other embodiments, a base mayhave less than five attachment points.

The base 102 shown in FIGS. 5A-5D is circular, and has attachment points110 distributed symmetrically around the entire perimeter 502. Thecircular shape of the base 102 is advantageous, as it providesattachment points 110 in a variety of angular orientations, facilitatingthe use of the accessory mount 100 with anchors 202 of irregular orunusual shape. Other base 102 shapes may share this benefit, includingbut not limited to shapes that resemble a circle, but have more sides,such as a hexagonal shape. In some embodiments, other regular andirregular polygons may be used to define the perimeter 502 of a base102.

In the specific non-limiting embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5B, theattachment points 110 are distributed evenly and symmetrically about theentire perimeter 502 of the base 102. In some embodiments, theattachment points 110 may be distributed symmetrically around a majorityof the perimeter 502. In other embodiments, the attachment points 110may be distributed to different locations around the base 102, which maynot be symmetrical and, in some cases which may not be located near theperimeter. For example, in one embodiment, the attachment anchors 110may be located above and away from the perimeter 502 of a base 102, togive a user easier access. This may be useful in smaller embodiments ofan accessory mount 100, where it may be difficult to attach the end ofan elastic binding 108 to an attachment point 110 close to the anchor202.

Referring now to FIG. 5A, a perspective view of a base 102 isillustrated. As shown, the attachment points 110 are shaped to easilyreceive the end of an elastic binding 108, and keep it from popping outaccidentally. In some embodiments, the attachment points 110 of a base102 may be hook-like in nature, relying on the tension of an engageelastic binding 108 to prevent an end from being released (e.g. thetension must be overcome to move the end of the binding out of theattachment point, etc.). In other embodiments, the attachment points 110may mechanically capture the ends of an elastic binding 108. Forexample, in one embodiment, the attachment points 110 may be biasedclips that clamp down on the ends of an elastic binding 108. As anoption, the ends of the bindings may be expanded such that they cannotslip out of the clip while it is closed.

The base 102 illustrated in FIG. 5A comprises eight attachment points110. In other embodiments, a base 102 may have more or less than eightattachment points 110. The convenience and versatility provided byadditional attachment points 110 must be balanced with the difficulty ofusing small or crowded attachment points 110. An ideal number ofattachment points 110 may depend upon the overall size of the accessorymount 100, the nature of the elastic bindings 108, and/or otherconsiderations.

Referring now to FIG. 5B, a top view of a base 102 is illustrated. Asshown, the base 102 has an opening 500 that extends through the base. Insome embodiments, the opening 500 may be aligned with the center 512 ofa base 102. In other embodiments, the opening 500 may be off-centered.In some embodiments, the opening 500 may be for a fastener, to couple anaccessory receiver 106, or at least a base connector 300 (e.g. the baseconnector 300 of FIG. 3, etc.) to the base 102. In other embodiments,the opening 500 may be sized and shaped to receive part of an accessoryreceiver 106, such as a base connector 300. The base connector 300, aswell as the non-circular recess 510 and internal lip 508 of the base102, will be discussed in greater detail with respect to FIGS. 6A-6D.

Referring now to FIG. 5C, a bottom view of a base 102 is illustrated. Asshown, the bottom surface 506 of the base 102 comprises a plurality ofrecesses 504 which correspond to and are mateable with the plurality ofprojections 400 of a foot 104. The mating of the projections 400 withthe recesses 504 may prevent the base 102 from shifting or rotating withrespect to the foot 104, according to various embodiments. In someembodiments, the recesses 504 in the bottom surface 506 of a base 102may be shaped to store unused elastic bindings 108 while the foot 104 iscoupled to the base 102.

FIG. 5D is a cross section view of a base 102 taken along the line A-Aof FIG. 5B. The cross section makes the hook-like nature of theattachment points 110 of this non-limiting embodiment more evident.According to various embodiments, the attachment points 110, as well asthe rest of the base 102 and the accessory receiver 106 and itscomponents, may be composed of material which is strong enough towithstand the forces exerted by the elastic bindings 108 when engaged,as well as the torque applied by the accessory 200 attached. In someembodiments, a thermoplastic may be used. Examples include, but are notlimited to, polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate (PC), and acrylonitrilebutadiene styrene (ABS). In a specific embodiment, one or more of thecomponents of an accessory mount 100 may be composed of PC-ABS, a blendof PC and ABS that exhibits the processing ease of ABS and themechanical properties of PC. In some embodiments, these components maybe injection molded.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, an accessory mount 100 comprises an accessoryreceiver 106. According to various embodiments, including the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 3, an accessory receiver 106 comprises an accessoryadapter 112 at a first end 302 and a base connector 300 at a second end304 opposite the first end 302. The accessory receiver 106 allows anattached accessory 200 to rotate with respect to the base 102. In someembodiments, the accessory adapter 112 may be fixed with respect to thebase connector 300, meaning they do not rotate with respect to eachother. In such embodiments, the accessory receiver 106 may be rotateablycoupled to the base 102 at the base connector 300. For example, in oneembodiment, a fastener passing through the opening 500 of a base 102 mayrotateably couple the base 102 to an accessory receiver 106. In someembodiments, the accessory adapter 112 and the base connector 300 may beparts of a single piece that forms an accessory receiver 106. In otherembodiments, the accessory adapter 112 and the base connector 300 may beseparately formed pieces coupled together to form an accessory receiver106.

In other embodiments, including the non-limiting embodiment illustratedin FIG. 3, the accessory adapter 112 may be rotateably coupled to thebase connector 300. In other words, the accessory adapter 112 and anattached accessory 200 may both rotate together on an axis 308 withrespect to the base connector 300 and the base 102; the base connector300 and the base 102 do not rotate with respect to each other.

FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate a non-limiting embodiment of a base connector300. FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a base connector 300, and FIG. 6Bis a top view of the same. As shown, the base connector 300 comprises atop surface 606 and a bottom surface 608. The top surface 606 of thebase connector 300 comprises a stop 600 and at least one tooth 602. Thebottom surface 608 comprises a plurality of tabs 604. The stop 600 andthe at least one tooth/teeth 602 will be discussed in greater detailwith respect to FIGS. 7B and 7D.

FIG. 6B is a top view of a non-limiting embodiment of a base connector300. As shown, the base connector 300 has a hole in the center;according to some embodiments, a base connector 300 may be rotateablycoupled to an accessory adapter 112 by a fastener, such as the fastener306 of FIG. 3, passing through a hole in the base connector 300. Inother embodiments, a base connector 300 and an accessory adapter 112 maybe rotateably coupled by any other method known in the art.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the base connector 300 has a shape that is roughlyoctagonal. This shape corresponds to the non-circular recess 510 foundin the top of the base 102 illustrated in FIG. 5B. In variousembodiments where the base connector 300 and the base 102 do not rotatewith respect to each other, a part of one component, such as theperimeter of the base connector 300 of FIG. 6B, may be given anon-circular shape (e.g. octagonal, etc.) such that it may be seatedwithin a non-circular recess, such as the recess 510 of FIG. 5B, tostrengthen the coupled parts against rotational forces. In the caseillustrated in the Figures, the base connector 300 of FIG. 6B may beseated in the non-circular recess 510 of base 102 illustrated in FIG.5B. By seating part of one component in a non-circular recess ofanother, the rotational torque applied by the attached accessory on themount 100 while the mount 100 is in motion (or while a user isrepositioning the accessory) will not be borne entirely by whatever isfastening the base connector 300 to the base 102, according to variousembodiments.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the accessory receiver 106 is coupled to base 102through the base connector 300, according to various embodiments. Insome embodiments, a base connector 300 may be permanently fastened oradhered to a base 102. In other embodiments, a base connector 300 may bereleasably coupled to a base 102. A releasable coupling may beadvantageous, as it would allow a user to swap out an accessory receiver106 configured to hold one type of accessory, like a camera, and installa different accessory receiver 106, perhaps configured to hold a phone.

FIG. 6C is a bottom view of a base connector; FIG. 6D is a cross sectionview of a base connector along the line A-A of FIG. 6B. As shown, thebase connector comprises three tabs 604. According to variousembodiments, a base connector 300 may comprise a plurality of tabs 604on a bottom surface 608 of the connector that may interlock with aninternal lip, such as the internal lip 508 of the base 102 shown inFIGS. 5A-5D. As the base connector 300 is pressed downward into anopening 500 in the base 102, the tabs 604 may deflect inward until thebulbous ends pass by the internal lip 508, after which they springoutward. The base connector 300 may be held in place by the resistanceof the tabs 604 to deflecting inward to get around the internal lip 508of the base 102. In some embodiments, this coupling may be permanent; inother embodiments, it may be reversible. Those skilled in the art willrecognize that the number, size, and shape of the tabs and/or internallip may be modified according to the intended application of the mount100 (e.g. anticipated forces, strength/elasticity of base 102 and/orbase connector 300 materials, etc.).

FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate a non-limiting embodiment of an accessory adapter112. As shown, the accessory adapter 112 comprises three ring prongs 700and a bottom surface 716 that comprises an annular channel 704 and atleast one tooth 702. The accessory adapter 112 serves as the interfacebetween an accessory 200 and an accessory mount 100.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of an accessory adapter 112, and FIG. 7Cis a side view of an accessory adapter 112. As shown, the top of theaccessory adapter 112 comprises three ring prongs 700. According tovarious embodiments, the ring prongs 700 may interface with an accessory200 having a prong mount, which comprises two similar ring prongs thatfit between the three ring prongs 700 of the accessory adapter 112. Whenthe rings are all aligned, a locking cylinder is inserted through allfive rings, coupling the accessory 200 to the accessory adapter 112.

In other embodiments, an accessory adapter 112 may comprise otherinterfaces to which an accessory 200 may be attached. Exemplaryinterfaces include, but are not limited to, a threaded post (e.g. a¼″-20 male threaded post, etc.), a clamp, a suction cup, a magnet,and/or any other interface capable of attaching to an accessory 200, ora case holding an accessory 200.

In some embodiments, an accessory adapter 112 may be rotatably coupledto a base connector 300. It may be advantageous to limit the rotation ofthe accessory adapter 112 with respect to the base connector 300 to aparticular range. Allowing the accessory adapter to freely rotate 360degrees may result in eventual mechanical failure. For example, if auser always rotates the accessory adapter 112 in the same direction, athreaded fastener such as the fastener 306 of FIG. 3 may become loose orstripped over time.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, the rotation of an accessory adapter112 with respect to a base connector 300 may be limited to a range 714.FIG. 7B is a bottom view of a non-limiting embodiment of an accessoryadapter 112, and FIG. 7D is a cross section view of a non-limitingembodiment of an accessory adapter 112 along the line A-A of FIG. 7C. Asshown, a bottom surface 716 of the accessory adapter 112 comprises anannular channel 704 having a first end 706 and a second end 708. In someembodiments, the annular channel 704 may be an arc that is centered onthe axis of rotation 308.

When an accessory adapter 112 is coupled with a base connector 300, thestop 600 located on the top surface 606 of the base connector 300 (seeFIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6D) is mated with, or seated within, the annularchannel 704. As the accessory adapter 112 rotates with respect to thebase connector 112, the stop 600 moves along the annular channel. Thus,the range of rotation 716 of an accessory receiver 106 is limited to thesize of the annular channel 704. In other words, the range of rotation716 is limited to an angle 710 subtended by a segment 712 of the annularchannel 704 accessible to the stop 600 between the first end 706 and thesecond end 708, as measured from the axis of rotation 308, according tovarious embodiments. In other embodiments, the rotation may be limitedto a range through other methods, including but not limited to the useof an asymmetrical fastener to rotatably couple an accessory adapter 112with a base connector 300 such that it runs into the structure of theadapter or connector when rotated beyond a particular angle.

In many cases, an accessory mount 100 may be utilized in circumstancesin which it may be exposed to jarring forces. The ability to rotate anattached accessory 200 with respect to the base 102 to obtain an idealorientation quickly becomes a problem if unintentional rotations occurdue to these jarring forces. In some embodiments, rotation of anaccessory adapter 112 with respect to a base connector 300 may beresisted through the structure of the components. See, for example,FIGS. 7B and 7D in conjunction with FIGS. 6B and 6D. In someembodiments, a bottom surface 716 of an accessory adapter 112 maycomprise at least one tooth 702, or in some cases a plurality of teeth702. Likewise, a top surface 606 of a base connector 300 may alsocomprise at least one tooth 602. When the accessory adapter 112 iscoupled with the base connector 300, the teeth on the two surfacesengage with each other. While the teeth are engaged, rotation of theaccessory adapter 112 with respect to the base connector 300 isresisted. When the teeth are disengaged, rotation is no longer resisted.

In some embodiments, the teeth of the accessory receiver 106 may becomposed of an elastic material which may deform upon application ofsufficient force, allowing the teeth to disengage and rotation tocommence. In other embodiments, the accessory adapter 112 may be coupledto the base connector 300 with a spring-loaded fastener, such that auser may pull the accessory adapter 112 upward to disengage the teeth(while keeping the stop 600 seated within the annular channel 704) androtate the accessory adapter. When the desired orientation is achieved,the user releases the accessory adapter, and the spring-loaded fastenercauses the teeth to re-engage. In other embodiments, rotationalresistance may be provided by increasing the friction between the twopieces (e.g. use of materials with a high static coefficient offriction, use of patterned surfaces, etc.).

In use, an accessory mount 100 may allow a user to easily and securelyattach an accessory 200 to a variety of anchors 202. See, for example,FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 8 shows a non-limiting embodiment of an accessorymount 100 coupling a camera 800 to a helmet 802. FIG. 9 shows anon-limiting embodiment of an accessory mount 100 coupling a light 900to the handlebars of a bicycle 902. According to various embodiments, auser may first attach an accessory mount 100 to an anchor 202. Forexample, in FIG. 8, a user may attach a first end 114 of an elasticbinding 108 to a first attachment point 110A, then thread the elasticbinding 108 in through one vent of the helmet 802 and out another vent.The second end 116 of the binding 108 is then attached to the secondattachment point 110B. The process may be repeated with additionalelastic bindings 108 using other attachment points 110. In some cases, ahelmet 802 may have recesses or channels on the inside to guide theelastic bindings 108, and allow them to sit flush with the inside of thehelmet 802, according to some embodiments.

After the accessory mount 100 is secured to the helmet 802, the user maythen couple the camera 800 to the accessory mount 100 by attaching it tothe accessory adapter 112 (specifically, the three ring prongs 700 ofthe accessory adapter 112). The user may then adjust the orientation ofthe camera 800. An accessory mount 100 may be used to couple a light 900to a bicycle 902 in a similar manner, as shown in FIG. 9.Advantageously, the same accessory mount 100 used to couple a camera 800with a helmet 802 in FIG. 8 could also be used to couple a light 900with a bicycle 902 in FIG. 9, according to various embodiments.

Where the above examples, embodiments and implementations referenceexamples, it should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the artthat other accessories and binding devices and examples could beintermixed or substituted with those provided. In places where thedescription above refers to particular embodiments of accessory mounts,it should be readily apparent that a number of modifications may be madewithout departing from the spirit thereof and that these embodiments andimplementations may be applied to other to mounting technologies aswell. Accordingly, the disclosed subject matter is intended to embraceall such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within thespirit and scope of the disclosure and the knowledge of one of ordinaryskill in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. An accessory mount, comprising: a base comprisinga plurality of attachment points symmetrically distributed at differentlocations around all sides of a perimeter of the base, the basecomprising at least one opening extending through the base; an accessoryreceiver comprising an accessory adapter at a first end and a baseconnector at a second end opposite the first end, the accessory receiverconfigured to rotatably couple an accessory to the base; a foot coupledto the base opposite the accessory receiver, the foot comprising anon-slip surface on a first side and a plurality of projectionsextending toward the base on a second side, opposite the first side, theplurality of projections mating with a corresponding plurality ofrecesses in a bottom surface of the base; and at least two elasticbindings, each having a first end and a second end, opposite the firstend, the first end configured to releasably and directly attach to afirst attachment point of the plurality of attachment points, the secondend configured to releasably and directly attach to a second attachmentpoint of the plurality of attachment points opposite the firstattachment point.
 2. The accessory mount of claim 1: wherein theaccessory adapter further comprises an annular channel in a bottomsurface, the annular channel comprising a first end and a second end;wherein the base connector comprises a stop extending from a top surfaceof the base connector, the accessory adapter and the base connectorrotatably coupled to each other through the stop mating with the annularchannel, the stop moving along the annular channel as the accessoryadapter rotates with respect to the base connector about an axis;wherein a range of rotation of the accessory adapter with respect to thebase is limited to an angle, measured from the axis, subtended by asegment of the annular channel accessible to the stop between the firstend and the second end; and wherein the range of rotation is between 240and 300 degrees.
 3. The accessory mount of claim 1, wherein theaccessory adapter comprises at least one tooth on its bottom surface,the at least one tooth engaged with another at least one tooth on thetop surface of the base connector, such that rotation of the accessoryadapter with respect to the base is resisted.
 4. The accessory mount ofclaim 1, wherein the accessory adapter rotatably mounts to the baseconnector.
 5. The accessory mount of claim 1, wherein the base isstiffer than the foot.
 6. The accessory mount of claim 1, wherein theaccessory receiver comprises three ring prongs extending from the firstend of the accessory receiver and away from the second end of theaccessory receiver.
 7. The accessory mount of claim 1, wherein theplurality of attachment points comprises at least five attachmentpoints.
 8. The accessory mount of claim 1: wherein the base and the footare circular; wherein the plurality of attachment points comprises eightattachment points; wherein the accessory adapter is rotatably coupled tothe base connector; and wherein the base connector is coupled to thebase, but does not rotate with respect to the base.
 9. An accessorymount, comprising: a base comprising a plurality of attachment pointssymmetrically distributed at different locations around a majority of aperimeter of the base, the base comprising at least one openingextending through the base; an accessory receiver comprising anaccessory adapter at a first end and a base connector at a second endopposite the first end, the accessory receiver configured to rotatablycouple an accessory to the base; a foot coupled to the base opposite theaccessory receiver, the foot comprising a non-slip surface on a firstside and a plurality of projections extending toward the base on asecond side, opposite the first side, the plurality of projectionsmating with a corresponding plurality of recesses in a bottom surface ofthe base; at least two elastic bindings, each having a first end and asecond end, opposite the first end, the first end configured toreleasably and directly attach to a first attachment point of theplurality of attachment points, the second end configured to releasablyand directly attach to a second attachment point of the plurality ofattachment points opposite the first attachment point.
 10. The accessorymount of claim 9: wherein the accessory adapter further comprises anannular channel in a bottom surface, the annular channel comprising afirst end and a second end; wherein the base connector comprises a stopextending from a top surface of the base connector, the accessoryadapter and the base connector rotatably coupled to each other throughthe stop mating with the annular channel, the stop moving along theannular channel as the accessory adapter rotates with respect to thebase connector about an axis; and wherein a range of rotation of theaccessory adapter with respect to the base is limited to an angle,measured from the axis, subtended by a segment of the annular channelaccessible to the stop between the first end and the second end.
 11. Theaccessory mount of claim 9, wherein the accessory adapter rotatablymounts to the base connector.
 12. The accessory mount of claim 9,wherein the base is stiffer than the foot.
 13. The accessory mount ofclaim 9, wherein the accessory receiver comprises three ring prongsextending from the first end of the accessory receiver and away from thesecond end of the accessory receiver.
 14. The accessory mount of claim9, wherein the accessory is at least one of a camera, a light, a phone,a GPS receiver, and a portable electronic device.
 15. An accessorymount, comprising: a base which is circular, the base comprising atleast five attachment points distributed at different locations aroundthe base, the base comprising at least one opening extending through acenter of the base; an accessory receiver comprising an accessoryadapter at a first end and a base connector at a second end opposite thefirst end, the accessory receiver configured to rotatably couple anaccessory to the base; and a foot coupled to the base opposite theaccessory receiver, the foot comprising a non-slip surface on a firstside and a plurality of projections extending toward the base on asecond side, opposite the first side, the plurality of projectionsmating with a corresponding plurality of recesses in a bottom surface ofthe base.
 16. The accessory mount of claim 15, further comprising: atleast two elastic bindings, each having a first end and a second end,opposite the first end, the first end configured to releasably anddirectly attach to a first attachment point of the plurality ofattachment points, the second end configured to releasably and directlyattach to a second attachment point of the plurality of attachmentpoints opposite the first attachment point.
 17. The accessory mount ofclaim 15: wherein the accessory adapter further comprises an annularchannel in a bottom surface, the annular channel comprising a first endand a second end; wherein the base connector comprises a stop extendingfrom a top surface of the base connector, the accessory adapter and thebase connector rotatably coupled to each other through the stop matingwith the annular channel, the stop moving along the annular channel asthe accessory adapter rotates with respect to the base connector aboutan axis; and wherein a range of rotation of the accessory adapter withrespect to the base is limited to an angle, measured from the axis,subtended by a segment of the annular channel accessible to the stopbetween the first end and the second end.
 18. The accessory mount ofclaim 15, wherein the accessory adapter rotatably mounts to the baseconnector.
 19. The accessory mount of claim 15, wherein the base isstiffer than the foot.
 20. The accessory mount of claim 15: wherein theat least one opening extending through the center of the base comprisesan internal lip which narrows the at least one opening; wherein a bottomsurface of the base connector comprises at least two tabs; wherein thebase connector is non-circular; wherein the base further comprises anon-circular recess centered on the at least one opening, thenon-circular recess matching the shape of the non-circular baseconnector; and wherein the base connector is seated in the non-circularrecess of the base and is releasably coupled to the base by the at leasttwo tabs expanding within the at least one opening after passing theinternal lip.